Ann E. LaGuardia, 93, died peacefully at home on Sept. 28, 2026, with her husband Sam by her side. In her final days, he cared for her with the same tenderness, dignity, and devotion that defined their remarkable life together. Born on July 15, 1933, she was the only daughter of Elizabeth Bangrowicz and the two shared an extraordinary bond.
Ann and Sam met in June 1952, while both were on a retreat in Algonquin. After getting to know one another, he offered her a ride home. From that day forward, they were inseparable. On Oct. 2, 1955, they were married at Our Lady of the Angels Church in Chicago. Last year, they celebrated 70 years of marriage.
In 1962, Ann they purchased their home in Oak Park, Illinois, where they raised their three sons, Ron, Paul, and David. She took pride in her career at Concordia University, where she served for many years as administrative assistant to the dean of the Graduate School.
Wonderfully creative, she enjoyed crocheting, gardening, baking, and sewing. Her Christmas cookies became an eagerly anticipated family tradition. A talented seamstress, she created beautiful clothing as well as memorable Halloween costumes for her children and, years later, worn again by her grandchildren.
She will be laid to rest wearing a dress she designed and made herself.
In her younger years, she enjoyed camping and traveling throughout the U.S. with her family. She and Sam took several trips to Hawaii and Europe. France held a special place in her heart.
She also found happiness in a good book shared with her book club, a theater production, a movie, or an occasional trip to the casino.
Ann is survived by her husband, Sam; her sons, Ron LaGuardia, Paul (Catherine) LaGuardia, and David (Maureen) LaGuardia; her grandchildren, Christy (Jeremy) Hassinger, Sam LaGuardia, and Lauren LaGuardia; and her dear friend, Georgette Jacquat.
She will be remembered for the countless traditions and memories she created.
A celebration of Ann’s life will be held at Ascension Church, 808 S. East Ave., Oak Park, where Ann was a parishioner for 64 years. Visitation with the family will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m.
Immediately following Mass, she will be laid to rest at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1400 S. Wolf Road, Hillside. Family and friends are invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ann’s memory to: The Salesian Sisters, 659 Belmont Ave., North Haledon, NJ 07508. Checks may be made payable to The Salesian Sisters, with Ann’s name included on the memo line, or online at salesiansistersgiving.org/memorials. Please include Ann’s name in the comment box.
She supported many charitable causes throughout her life and would be pleased to have those wishing to honor her memory make a contribution to a charity meaningful to them.